Oh, the Irony

I got a package from my Dad today.  In it, there was a tupperware container I'd left at their house, a lump of silly putty, and a pair of Jake's socks.  And a George Mason sweatshirt.

Growing up, I used to steal my dad's clothes.  It drove him nuts.  And one of my favorites was an old, ratty GMU sweatshirt.  Ironic, because I swore I would NEVER go to George Mason.  No way.  No how.

Which itself is pretty ironic.  Since guess what I have tucked away in our file box...  my George Mason diploma.

Thanks, Dad!  I love my new sweatshirt!

Oh, and if you decide to get one for yourself, I'll have to try it out.  I might want that one, too...

New Skill

Last night, Camden learned to crochet.

He was taught by a 17-year-old boy (who also learned last night).

It was pretty much wonderful.

Thoughts on Valentine's Day

My Valentine.

He's cute.  And fun.

I totally lucked out.

This morning (3:45 am to be exact), I sent him off to catch a plane.
Maybe not our most romantic Valentine's Day.
But when I remember that two years ago I didn't get to see him - or even talk to him - at all, I figure packing his socks and underwear is better than nothing!

Mother Nature gave me a beautiful Valentine today...  My daffodils are popping up!  It'll be a while before they do much more than that, and they'll probably be covered in snow again before they get to do anything exciting, but it's so nice to know that Spring is indeed on its way! 

Another gift from my friend Mother Nature (that's right, she's my friend today)...  It was over 60 degrees today!

It was also super windy.  As in, "blow the just-cleaned-up dog poop back all over the yard" windy.  You think I'm exagerating, but I'm not.  Until today, I never would have believed it, either.

Don't worry, though.  I cleaned it all back up.  Doesn't it just make you want a dog?

And then I sent the children out to play.  In case you were wondering what one does with a heavy winter coat that was most definitely needed yesterday - and will most definitely be needed tomorrow - but is most definitely not needed today...  You use it as a cape.  Just thought you might want to know that.

Thank goodness for Valentine's Day!  Our Halloween candy was almost gone.  The candy jar was dangerously close to empty.  But not anymore!  Thank you St. Valentine for being martyred and lending your name to a pagan holiday so we Christians can celebrate it in good conscience.  I truly appreciate the opportunity to refill the candy jar, especially with Easter coming so late this year.

Finally...

Knock Knock

Who's there?

Stopwatch!

Stopwatch who?

Stopwatch-you're doin' and give me a smooch!

Yeah, I thought that was a good one, too.

Down Down Down

Ever played "Down Down Down?"  Well, you should.

Here's how to play:

Start with both players facing each other, playing toss.  Each time a player misses the ball, he has to go "down," first to one knee, then to both, followed by one elbow, then both, and finally to the chin.  All the while, the game of catch continues.  The first player to miss the ball with his chin on the ground is out.

Let me tell you, this is a fun game.

Even for the spectator.  The body positions and funny faces are great entertainment.

Play it today!

Six Weeks

The next six weeks are some of the only weeks during our year that we don't have a sport going on.  Because Jake's first basketball season is officially over (and because our gymnastics coach quit).  But no worries, it definitely won't be his last.  He's already counting the days to next season.

Oh, and that photo?  Yeah, he made the shot.

Cub Scout

I just sent my eight-year-old and his daddy off to hike around downtown Fredericksburg for the day.

In the freezing rain.

Because that's the sort of stuff you do when you're a cub scout.

He's ecstatic.  His daddy...

(Let's just say Daddy's already been a cub scout.)

Caught

If your parents want to give your children cameras for Christmas, before saying, "Yes!  Great idea!" (as I did), you might want to think seriously about the things you do around the house.  Like, say, channeling Taylor Swift while making dinner.  Just a thought.